This post is part of Blog the Change for Animals, a quarterly blog event dedicated to shining a spotlight on animal causes. I originally had another post planned for today, but it’s still in limbo due to a nasty case of writer’s block. So, I decided to share a post I did last year (with a few tweaks) about a topic that never seems to go out of style. (Just ask Bob Barker.)

From time to time, I write about some of the more interesting search terms that bring people to this humble blog. One of these search terms inspired today’s post. Those fateful words? “I want a puppy that makes puppies.” Well, dear searcher… what exactly do you mean by that? I kind of hope you’re looking for some sort of child’s toy that I haven’t heard of yet. Or a puppy prodigy that spends his spare time building Lego replicas of other puppies. Continue reading →

Before we dive into today’s links, a quick plug if you live in the northern Virginia/DC area… this Saturday (the 27th), Friends of Homeless Animals (giver of Tavish) is hosting its annual Barktoberfest. Stop by for pet contests, music, food, drinks, fun, puppies, kittens, and more… check it out!

I need a detective (pet or otherwise) to help me solve these mysteries. Anyone?

Is your dog the Hooch to your Turner? Take this quiz and find out which fictional duo you and your pet are most like. (My result? Apparently tiny Tavish is a giant St. Bernard at heart, and I’m a nerdy adolescent boy. Who knew?)

(I realize that the “holy crap” portion of that sentence might not accurately capture your reaction, but I promise you that was mine. My mom loved Agatha Christie, so I have a soft spot for all things A.C.)

Anyway, check it out:

Fascinating, yes? Authors are kind of like rock stars to me, so I loved that video on many levels.

I didn’t post yesterday. Unfortunately, I’ve spent the month writing each day’s post in the waning hours of the day. (Not exactly a recipe for success in a daily posting challenge, right?) Yesterday, I was in the midst of last minute prep for an event I was hosting today, and my post drafting fell by the wayside. I’m a little bummed, but I plan to finish out the month anyway. Close enough, I guess.

Anyway, here’s your weekly linkage…

First up, your punny pet name: Viper Chapman. (Have you seen Orange is the New Cat? Great show. Also a great show? This.)

Obviously, given my busy week. I was running on caffeine. This photo is a good representation of what I probably looked like yesterday.

Oh, and these kittens too! (The costumes are not optional.) Best party ever.

Even though I shared the water thing above, please don’t get the wrong idea. We take care of our aquaphobic friends – at Tavish’s request, water balloons will not be allowed at the party. (He’s already hired a bouncer and everything.)

Also, contrary to the request of our feline guests, owl burritos will not be on the menu.

That’s all for today, my friends. In case you missed it, here’s what we were up to on the blog this week:

As I try to get back into the blogging groove, I thought I’d try to resurrect the Friday linkage as well. I didn’t have the motivation to come up with a theme today, so you’re getting a hodgepodge. Let’s get to it.

via giphy.com

First up, your punny pet names: Chick Vitale, Hendy Kaling, and Mooey Deschanel. (Okay, the last one is really more of a punny cow name… and the middle one also has a farm association. Bear with me – I’m easing back in here.)

Do you remember when you first fell in love with animals? I was thinking about this today, but I couldn’t identify a specific moment. I just know that I always really loved animals. I loved playing with the dogs and cats at other people’s houses.

Despite the name of this blog, my first pet was actually a cat. I was around three years old, and I fell in love with a white kitten. I named her Buttercup, and she was all mine.

Thinking about the next scratch…

Frankly, she was kind of a jerk sometimes. Every night, she would hop up on my bed and demand to be petted. When she’d had enough, she would scratch me and then run away. It was our nightly routine for years. However, she eventually outgrew that behavior… with one exception. Until she left us, Buttercup would resurrect the old pet n’ bite routine every time my cousin J would come to visit.

That being said, Buttercup was my jerk, and I loved her dearly. She provided endless entertainment – whether she was bringing a live bat into the house or going completely limp the one time we tried to put a harness on her. (Seriously, she froze in place and didn’t get up until we took it off of her.) She was part Siamese and would occasionally favor us with the song (the yowl?) of her people. I adored her in all of her quirky glory. I miss her (and having a feline in my life).

The new lion cubs at the National Zoo must take a swim test before they’re allowed to be in the enclosure with the other lions. That test happened today. (Spoiler alert: It was adorable. Second spoiler alert: They all passed.)

I have to be honest with you… I am mesmerized by this video.. (Also, please note pattern on the towel lady’s shirt at 3:10. It’s delightful.)

Cub #2 was having none of it, am I right? She must be related to Tavish.

Okay, users of the Internet… it’s time for some real talk. I know that Easter is right around the corner. Your head is filled with visions of adorable bunnies (or chicks and ducks, depending on what your particular brand of cute catnip is – the post below is applicable to all categories). You’re tempted to bring one home.

I get it. They’re cute. They’re cuddly. They win first prize every single year in the Cutest Way to Eat Lettuce Contest.

via giphy.com

As the proud aunt to several bunny nieces and nephews, I’m not immune to their charms. However, I’m going to give it to you straight. If you’re thinking of bringing home a baby bunny for Easter, stop.